A beautifully written story about self discovery and found families. With a badass main character, a thrilling plot, and wonderfully inclusive storylines, A River of Golden Bones has it all. I can't wait for the next book in the Golden Court Series.

I picked this up because I had enjoyed reading the first couple of books in the author's other series, they were a nice escape type book. I can see the author's growth of storytelling here compared to that other series, but this book still had pacing issues for me. I feel that at times it was too slow and then somehow the book itself was too fast.

I did like the characters, especially the traveler and how unique each of them were and what they contributed to the story. The main love interests however just seemed overshadowed by so many other characters I would rather know more about.

That being said, still 3 stars for entertainment value.

This is a case of judging a book by its cover being the best decision. Didn’t even read the blurb, just saw the cover and knew the book was for me. And as pretty and magical as the cover is, it doesn’t hold a candle to the magic with the story. The world building, the side characters, the buildup of tension from start to finish, the love story between not just the main character and their mate, but that of their country and their found family. Loved this book, no holds barred.

A gripping wolf shifter Romantasy smothered in fated mates and a dash of sleeping beauty!

I am such a sucker for fated mates, and wolf shifters let alone a fairytale retelling! This book challenged the social norms and felt incredibly inclusive.

The golden wolf pack was wiped out by an evil sorceress who took the kingdom by force and named herself Queen. She cursed the FMCs mother, but not before she delivered a healthy baby girl and sole heir to the throne. That is, until her twin followed shortly after. Two baby girls were born that day and with their mothers dying wish, they were taken by a fairy godmother of sorts to be raised into the women they needed to become. One day they would take back their homeland and sit upon the golden throne once more.

I loved the twist on this classic story brought to a whole new level with warring kingdoms, villains on both sides and a satisfying ending that leaves more to be told without the headache of a cliffhanger!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I’d yet to try this TikTok recommended author yet, dubious of the claims that their fae series could rival acotar, but now I’ll have to read the rest of their catalog.

This is the first shifter romantasy that I’ve actually liked! And I love romantasy in general and always thought I’d enjoy this subgenre, but for some reason all the others I’ve tried don’t hurt right,

Mulford gets it right!

The fantasy was amazing, the story was enchanting 10/10 would recommend to anyone who love’s fantasy.

"My sister would marry and make allies and sign treaties, and I would be the nameless Wolf who won back our throne."

A. K. Mulford is bringing shifters back, in the best possible way. While, I have yet to read a bad book by them, I certainly didn't go into this book expecting to love it as much as their debut series "Five Crowns of Okrith". I'm pleased to say I was pleasantly surprised in all the best ways. A. K. Mulford brought their A+ game with this series and I'm already eagerly anticipating book two (and three).

We follow Calla - twin to Briar - whose entire identity has been cloaked in shadows her entire life. She was meant to be nameless, faceless, and live behind her sister's glory. Only everything Calla was raised to be is challenged when Briar is cursed. Suddenly, Calla must not only live up to be the warrior her sister needs, but also the champion for her throne while embarking on a new journey of self discovery outside of the shadows.

Dive into the fantastical world of A. K. Mulford's creation with queer representation, gender fluidity, fated mates, found family, curses, sleeping beauty retelling, spice, and a plot twist that will leave you wondering how the heck you never saw it coming!

I’m typical A. K. Mulford style she has done it again!! There are highs and lows. Action, love interests, this book has it all. I couldn’t put it down. I need more!!

Wolf shifters, true love, gender non conforming, queer inclusive fantasy romance breaking down the borders of class/race. AK has done it again.

They have provided us with a character growth and self discovery story rooted in the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

There was the perfect mix of action and hanky panky. Also, a magical travelling caravan? Yes.

This was everything I was hoping and needing! The author does a phenomenal job of weaving these stories that just captivate you!

I really enjoyed this Sleepy Beauty retelling that dives deep into self-discovery and gender exploration. This was beautifully written with rich, flushed out characters full of diversity. The author’s growth in her writing is evident in this book. Give it a try!

A fantasy adventure with great world building, a political divide between humans and wolves, broken kingdom, fated mates, and twin princesses in hiding! All the makings of a great fantasy series. While one princess is promised to an allied kingdom, the other trained as her protector for when her sister becomes queen. Calla is stubborn and lacks of confidence in everything about herself except for her warrior fighting skills, but is she capable of stepping out from her sister’s shadow to save her family and her kingdom?

I felt like this book went deeper than your average fantasy story and really engages the reader in ‘self-discovery’ and ‘gender exploration’ like described in the synopsis. The main character, Calla, develops so much during the course of the storyline and really comes to learn who she truly is, which is incredibly admirable and inspiring. The descriptions of emotions during important scenes were really well written and make you feel more connected to the characters.

I really loved all the supporting characters too and hope the next book really dives into their stories more. I would especially like to see more character development with the male lead character, Grae.

Overall, this was a good book that I would recommend to any fantasy lover! A truly inspiring story about how we don’t have to abide by the future set by others, but we are free to create our own destiny in our own ways.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review this book with my own honest opinions!

This was a fun read. The story was interesting although I would have liked more world building. The LGBTQ+ representation was good to see. I think Mulford's writing is getting better by the book and I look forward to reading their books in the future.

A River of Golden Bones is a Sleeping Beauty re-telling that includes some of my favorite tropes. There’s an evil sorceress, a handsome prince, a found family, and an exploration of gender identity that is often not seen represented in fantasy novels (but is perfect here). The character development and seeing how Calla confronts their beliefs based on observations and experiences is such a powerful message wrapped in a beautifully written and adventurous story.

If you enjoyed ACOTAR, but wanted more diversity, I highly recommend A River of Golden Bones. And, if you liked The High Mountain Court (or the rest of the Crown of Okrith series by the same author), you will definitely love this book!

This book was fantastic.
I cannot express how much I loved the main characters journey with self discovery and the internal fight that was happening throughout the book. It was such a lovely perspective that I have never seen another fantasy do. It was super validating and really added so much.
Beyond just that, the book had so many elements that made it enjoyable. I am a sucker for any fairytale retelling and this one hit the mark.
I also really enjoyed a friends-to-lovers romance, again another thing that I haven't seen often in fantasy and it was well done!
Excited to see what will come next!

This book is lovely!! And this book is IMPORTANT! I thoroughly enjoyed AK Mulford’s latest book and their incredible main character, Calla. I passionately believe that representation matters and one of AK Mulford’s strengths is sharing stories of characters whose journeys and experiences haven’t been commonly told. Every child, every person deserves to imagine themself as a main character in a story that feels like their own. For me, reading Calla’s story was not only entertaining and supremely enjoyable, but also incredibly informative. It has shown me a different perspective from my own, one that I have found beautiful and immensely educational. Books connect people and teach us about each other and I cannot understate the importance of sharing stories like Calla and Ora’s. Understanding each other, accepting each other, loving each other - these things are all vital to humanity and books like AK Mulford’s are a huge step in making this world a more accepting place. PLUS this book is a twist on one of my all time favorite fairy tales - Sleeping Beauty!! And we have a completely swoon worthy love interest - Graemon (Grae) Claudius. I stan a self aware and loyal man who accepts and supports his partner in all that they are!! I also just love all of the character names- Grae, Calla, Briar…so good! So if you love any of the following, check out this book. Or judge it by it’s cover, because that is simply gorgeous too.

✨Journey of self discovery
✨Fated Mates
✨Gender Exploration
✨Found Family
✨Sleeping Beauty w/ a Twist
✨Wolf Shifters

I had the privilege of diving into an advanced reader copy of "A River of Golden Bones" by A.K. Mulford, and I must say, it was a captivating literary voyage that left me on the edge of my seat throughout.

From the very beginning, Mulford's writing style grips you, pulling you into a world where mysteries and secrets lurk beneath the surface. The story's premise is nothing short of intriguing – a river of golden bones hidden deep within an uncharted wilderness. The concept alone was enough to pique my curiosity, and Mulford delivers on this premise in ways that both astounded and enthralled me.

The characters in this tale are expertly crafted, each with their own unique depth and personality. I found myself deeply invested in their fates, cheering for their triumphs, and empathizing with their struggles. Mulford takes the time to develop their backstories and motivations, making them feel like real individuals rather than mere plot devices.

One of the standout aspects of "A River of Golden Bones" is its world-building. Mulford has a remarkable talent for painting vivid landscapes with words, making it easy to immerse oneself in the rich, untamed wilderness where the story unfolds. Her attention to detail and the lush descriptions create a sensory experience that leaves you feeling as though you've embarked on this adventurous journey alongside the characters.

The pacing of the novel is generally well-executed, with a blend of suspenseful moments and quiet reflection. However, there were a few instances where the story seemed to lag, making it feel slightly longer than necessary. Nevertheless, these moments were far outweighed by the sheer excitement and tension that pervaded the majority of the narrative.

As for the plot twists and revelations, "A River of Golden Bones" delivers them with expert precision. Just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, Mulford throws a curveball that keeps you guessing until the very end. The final chapters are a whirlwind of revelations and emotional depth, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more.

In conclusion, "A River of Golden Bones" is a captivating and well-crafted novel that combines intriguing characters, breathtaking world-building, and an engrossing plot. While it may have had a few moments of pacing issues, the overall experience is one that I wholeheartedly recommend to any adventure and mystery enthusiast. A.K. Mulford's storytelling prowess shines through in this work, leaving readers with a memorable and thought-provoking journey through the pages. I eagerly await the official release to share this captivating adventure with others.

A River of Golden Bones is a story full of adventure, self-discovery, steamy romance, fated mates and magic. Calla and Briar, the last of the Golden Wolves have been hiding from an evil sorceress all their lives. But now, Briar is set to marry the prince of another pack. No one is aware of Calla's existence, except her best friend, Prince Grae - and her sister's betrothed. When Briar and Grae's wedding is interrupted by the sorceress, Calla must step out into the spotlight to save her kingdom. Calla embarks on a journey to save her kingdom, and to discover who she is.

What I liked: I'm a sucker for a fated mates story, and this delivers. The worldbuilding is relatively simple, but rich. The best part of this story though is the them of discovering who you are - your role in life, gender, sexuality, etc. I really enjoyed the side characters and the role they play in Calla's life. I also like that there wasn't a huge cliffhanger - it settled in a good plot point.

What I didn't like: Honestly, I can't really think of much. I think at times the pacing was a little off, but not distractingly so.

And the cover - can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is!? This is definitely one you don't want to miss!

AK Mulford has done it again!! Fantastic shifter fated mates romance. Love love love everything about this book!!! Calla is such an amazing main character!! I the whole story line is one that had me hooked from the first chapter.

Calla is the secret twin and the last of their wolf line. Spending time in the shadows not knowing who they really are. Wanting to do what’s best for the kingdom and determined to get it back from the sorceress that took both the kingdom and family away. The journey is one of love, disparities, found family, self discovery, and individuality. Highly highly recommended!!!

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
I love the relationships, the friendships, the anticipation, and the storyline. I'm glad this is book 1 of a series. The author made me feel like I was actually in the story with the characters.